2019 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2019 Toyota Highlander
Midsize SUVs offer the best of both worlds. Like larger SUVs, they can handle the most difficult driving conditions with ease, but they also provide the great driving qualities and comfort of the less powerful crossover types.
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder has benefited from over three decades of refinement and improvement, and it's now a leader in its class. How does it compare with one of its major competitors, the Toyota Highlander?
Starting Prices
Model | Starting Price |
2019 Nissan Pathfinder (Model S): | $33,298 |
2019 Toyota Highlander (Model LX): | $37,300 |
The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Nissan is lower by a distance. But don't let this fool you that it's at the cost of quality or comfort. Which of the new 2019 Nissan Pathfinder features keep it firmly ahead of the competition?
Engine, Performance, and Economy
Even for a small car, performance is important. The differences between Nissan and Toyota are surprisingly large for vehicles in this class.
Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.7L Inline-4 |
Horsepower | 284hp | 185hp |
Transmission | Full continuously variable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Drive Type | Front wheel | Front wheel |
Fuel Economy (Highway) | 8.5L/100km | 8.9L/100km |
Fuel Economy (City) | 11.6L/100km | 12L/100km |
The larger engine and horsepower means in most situations the Nissan has higher performance and better handling. However, this isn't at the sacrifice of fuel economy, with the Pathfinder being less thirsty than the Highlander for both city and highway driving.
What's, the continuously variable automatic transmission makes for a smoother drive, while also contributing to the fuel economy.
Infotainment and Convenience
Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | |
Touchscreen | 8 inches, colour | 6.1 inches |
HD Radio | Standard | As an upgrade |
Additional Drive-Assist Screen | 4.3 inches | None |
Clearly, the standard Pathfinder wins out against the standard Highlander when it comes to these audio and information systems.
Safety Features
Both of these vehicles are well equipped with safety features as standard.
Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | |
ABS Brakes | Standard | Standard |
Front Driver and Passenger Airbags | Standard | Standard |
Side Driver and Passenger Airbags | Standard | Standard |
Curtain / Overhead Airbags on Rear Rows | Standard | Standard |
Cargo Space and Towing
Both SUVs offer ample cargo space when the seats are folded down. But how does the cargo space compare when passengers are on board?
Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | |
Interior Cargo Space | 453L | 390L |
Towing Capability | 2,722kg | 2,268kg |
As the table shows, Nissan has a significantly larger interior cargo space, as well as higher towing capacity for handling large loads.
Warranty
Both vehicles come with a comprehensive warranty as standard.
Nissan Pathfinder | Toyota Highlander | |
Warranty Type | 36 months or 60,000km, plus roadside assistance | 36 months or 60,000km |
However, Nissan's addition of unlimited distance roadside assistance as standard makes the Pathfinder's warranty much more attractive.
In many ways, these two vehicles are closely matched. However, the Nissan wins out when it comes to sheer performance combined with fuel economy, and its greater interior space, cargo, and towing capacity add up to make it a winning choice.
For more information, or to arrange a test drive of the 2019 Nissan pathfinder in Calgary, please contact us online, by telephone, or in person.